Roupen Shakarian, Music Conductor

Roupen Shakarian, in his third season as music director of the Skagit Symphony. An active composer and conductor, he has appeared as guest conductor with the Seattle Symphony, Victoria Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Youth Symphony, California Youth Symphony and the Northwest Chamber Orchestra. He is also the music director of Philharmonia Northwest in Seattle. He has also conducted with Skagit Opera in performances of Mozart's The Magic Flute, The Barber of Seville and Pirates of Penzance at McIntyre Hall.

A published composer and recipient of numerous commissions, his works include Whimsy and Chamber Symphony, both works written for Philharmonia Northwest Flute Concerto, Five Bagatelles for woodwind quintet The Turnip, Clock, and the Kid, commissioned and recorded by The Rainier Chamber Winds, Inner Places for organ and brass quintet and Pastime for a small ensemble.

Recent works include ... is but a dream for solo oboe, written for Rebecca Henderson and recorded by Ms Henderson on Boston Records label and Other Voices for chorus and small ensemble, commissioned by the Midsummer Musical Retreat Board. Two choral pieces, Almighty and Everlasting God, commissioned by Opus 7, and If Ye love Me, Keep My Commandments are published by Oxford University Press. Bone Island Suite, a song cycle for soprano and orchestra, received its premier in April 2006 with Philharmonia Northwest. He is at present working on a violin concerto that will be premiered in February 2008.

Currently, Mr. Shakarian teaches at North Seattle Community College. He and his wife Shirley anticipate moving to their new home in the Skagit Valley in the near future.

Deborah Gaudette, alto
Light Classics Concert
October 27, 2007 at 7:30 pm

Deborah Gaudette was nine years old when she boarded a plane by herself to visit her grandmother and uncle in Europe. Her uncle was starting a career as an opera singer in Vienna. She fell in love with music, opera, and Europe all at the same time. When she was fourteen, her parents took her to audition for the chorus master of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, who confirmed that she had a voice worth training. Soon after, she was accepted into the Mannes College of Music Preparatory Department in New York and she also began studying voice with Susan Sten.

At seventeen, she auditioned and was accepted at the New England Conservatory in Boston where she studied with Mark Pearson for two years. It was at the conservatory that she met her husband, Jim Gaudette. After they married, they banked everything on a dream, sold their belongings and car, and moved to Vienna, Austria, where they were both accepted into the Hochschule (University) for Music. Deborah was accepted as a private student of Eugenie Ludwig, whose earlier students included Christa Ludwig and Elizabeth Schwartzkopf. She studied intensely for four years and then began her career as a soloist with the Wurzburg Opera in Germany. After this, she sang in Basel, Switzerland, the Kiel Opera, and finally, the Hamburg Opera in Germany. She sang such diverse roles as Cinderella, Dorabella, Cherubino, and Rosina. As her voice matured, she sang the "heavier" roles of Azucena, Ulrica, Waltraute, and Amneris.

Deborah has also performed in musicals, and some of her favorite roles include the Mother Abbess in Sound of Music and Nelly in Carousel. Deborah is a frequent performer with the Cascade Ensemble, based in Bellingham, and has soloed several times with the Whatcom Symphony, singing Mahler. She has a thriving voice studio and many of her students have won state Solo and Ensemble competitions and have been accepted into music programs and schools. Two have become professional singers.

Besides music, Deborah loves painting, yoga, knitting, and has a black belt in TaeKwonDo. Deborah and Jim Gaudette have been married for 38 years! They love travelling and being with their two daughters, Jennifer and Priyanka, and their two dachshunds, Freddy and Fritzy.

Diane Johnson, soprano
Holiday Concert
December 16, 2007 at 2:00 pm
December 22, 2007 at 7:30 pm

Diane Johnson's musical career started at a young age - she sang her first solo at the age of six years. She continued to sing and eventually received her BA and MA in Music from the University of California at Riverside. It was here that Diane met her voice teacher of 12 years, Gwendolyn Lytle. Professor Lytle infused in Diane a love for the spiritual and oratorio. It is with great love and respect for both of these genres that Diane sings for you this weekend. Diane received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting and voice from the Claremont Graduate University in 1990.

Since moving to Washington State, Diane has performed with the Skagit, Everett and Whatcom Symphonies, the Whatcom Choral, the Skagit Valley Chorale, the Everett Choral and the Skagit Community Band. Diane is currently chair of the Music Department at Skagit Valley College and conductor of the Showcase Singers and Concert Choir.

Denice Grant, piano
Masterpiece Concert
March 15, 2008 at 7:30 pm

Born in Brasil, and a daughter of missionary parents, Denice Raymundo Grant began her musical studies at the age of four. In 1973 her family moved to Portugal, and Denice had the opportunity to study at the Lisbon National Conservatory and thanks to another move in 1975 to Canada, at the Toronto Royal Conservatory. Mrs. Grant went on to pursue a BM in Voice and Piano performance at Walla Walla College, where she studied piano with Leonard Richter and voice with Dr. Marianne Scriven. She received a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Northern Illinois University, where she was a student of Donald Walker. Moving to Seattle in 1990, Denice was employed by the Pacific Northwest Ballet as company pianist, and then by the Houston Ballet in the year 2000. Since returning from Houston in 2002, she started a piano and vocal teaching studio, is involved in chamber music, and has accompanied several professional choruses in the area, some of which include the Bellevue Chamber Chorus, the Northwest Girl Choir, the Choir of the Sound, and The Seattle Choral Company, with whom she recorded Carmina Burana in 1999. She has held the post of organist at Shoreline Calvin Presbyterian Church since the summer of 2002. She has also worked with the Seattle Opera, the Seattle Symphony, the Bellevue Symphony, and the Intiman Theatre. Recent concerto appearances include the Mozart piano concerto No. 23 in A Major in 2005 with the Seattle Philharmonic, Mendelssohn piano concerto No. 1 in G Minor with the Rainier Symphony in the spring of 2006, and Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Port Angeles Symphony in the fall of 2006, and the Rachmaninoff Concerto No. 2 in 2007 with the Seattle Philharmonic. Denice is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Washington where she studies with Craig Sheppard. Mrs. Grant's vocal career is devoted mainly to missionary endeavors such as fund raisers for various charities and causes, the closest to her heart being the Huruma Children's Home in N'gong Hills, Kenya, an orphanage started by Mama Ziporah. She has recently released a sacred vocal CD titled "If my People...Who are Called by My Name...Will Pray..."

Amy Buckingham, cello
Young Soloist Concert
May 17, 2008 at 7:30 pm

Amy Buckingham began playing cello just before she turned twelve, when her grandparents, Jim and Carol Howe, drove from Maryland to visit. They brought with them a cello and a violin that had been in the family (and then in their attic) for many years. Amy began cello lessons with Chris Marcum and then studied with Pall Grondal for six years. She is currently blessed to be under the tutelage of Barton Frank, who studied under Gregor Piatigorsky.

Amy was home-schooled along with seven of her eight siblings. She enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling in their big “greyhound” bus, singing and playing at rest homes and other events. She also enjoys studying the scriptures with her family.

Amy played with the Whatcom Symphony for one year, joining the Skagit Symphony in 2003, and since has been joined by three other siblings. She has received her share of cello related rewards, such as winning the concerto competition with the Mount Baker Youth Symphony in 2002, soloing with the Fidalgo Youth Symphony in 2003, and playing principal cellist at the Marrowstone Music Festival during the summer of 2001.

As her sister, I know that is not the kind of reward Amy plays to receive. She plays to bring glory to her Heavenly Father and to sing praise to her God – the one who made her hands able to play skillfully on her chosen stringed instrument. The one and only God “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Amy’s greatest desire is to serve her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in all that she does.

Bonnie Wilkens, concertmaster & principal violin I

Ms. Wilkens recently joined the orchestra players when she relocated to Skagit Valley from Lafayette, Indiana with her husband and fellow musician, Randall. 

Throughout Ms. Wilkens’ life, the language of music has lured her above all other pursuits.  “I really feel music has a way of reaching into the heart.  Music has always been a part of my life’s journey.  It has been the number one thing that connects me to others.”  Having studied piano from age five and violin from age nine, Bonnie recalls musical abilities coming very easily and naturally to her.  “I never had to strain to achieve in music.  My mother gave support in my musical life (both public school and private lessons) but never insisted I practice. She felt my own desire was the best motivation for practice.  Needless to say, I became an excellent sight reader!  I remember many tense moments during symphony rehearsals as a youngster knowing I had not really prepared the music as one should.  I’ve since learned the value of being prepared for a rehearsal.  For one thing, it’s much less stressful!” 

Prior to performing with the Skagit Symphony, Ms. Wilkens had paid positions with the Lafayette Symphony and the Bach Chorale Chamber Orchestra. She has also performed with the Estes Park Community Orchestra, the Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra and was the concertmaster for the Kansas City Youth Symphony. She has won a variety of awards and honors including a Presidential Music Scholarship from Ithaca College, the Kansas City Youth Symphony Concerto Competition (1988) and the Topeka Symphony Youth Competition (1988). 

When not rehearsing or performing, Ms. Wilkens enjoys spending time with her children Joanna and Malik.

As for her thoughts about the Skagit Symphony and her new role as concertmaster, Ms. Wilkens says, “I have been in many musical ensembles and I can truly say none match the warmth and enthusiasm that this particular group shares.  It is rare to find such amiable friends and I know I am blessed and so thankful to be a part of a great thing in the Skagit Valley!”

Sarah Carter, concertmaster & principal violin I

Thanks to the music program in the public school system, my violin playing started in the 4th grade, and I have been playing ever since. I also studied privately with Jascha Galperin, a Russian violinist who ended up in Everett as a result of the upheavals of World War II in Europe, throughout Junior High and High School. I played in the Seattle Public School orchestras, including the All-State and All-Northwest competitions, but the most demanding and enjoyable orchestra was the Seattle Youth Symphony.

The Seattle Youth Symphony provided a training ground for orchestral playing. Many of the alumni from the Youth Symphony play in the Seattle Symphony and other professional orchestras today. Although I pursued a non-musical education, the Youth Symphony provided a valuable and memorable experience.

My husband and I moved to LaConner in 1979, and I joined the Skagit Symphony in the Spring of 1980. I have been Concertmaster, most but not all of those years. The Skagit Symphony has been a source of happiness and friends, and I continue to study the violin, on an informal basis, with Joanne Harrell of Bellingham.

Louise Cheney, principal violin II

Norman Graham, principal viola

Amy Buckingham, principal cello

Amy Buckingham began playing cello just before she turned twelve, when her grandparents, Jim and Carol Howe, drove from Maryland to visit. They brought with them a cello and a violin that had been in the family (and then in their attic) for many years. Amy began cello lessons with Chris Marcum and then studied with Pall Grondal for six years. She is currently blessed to be under the tutelage of Barton Frank, who studied under Gregor Piatigorsky.

Amy was home-schooled along with seven of her eight siblings. She enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling in their big “greyhound” bus, singing and playing at rest homes and other events. She also enjoys studying the scriptures with her family.

Amy played with the Whatcom Symphony for one year, joining the Skagit Symphony in 2003, and since has been joined by three other siblings. She has received her share of cello related rewards, such as winning the concerto competition with the Mount Baker Youth Symphony in 2002, soloing with the Fidalgo Youth Symphony in 2003, and playing principal cellist at the Marrowstone Music Festival during the summer of 2001.

As her sister, I know that is not the kind of reward Amy plays to receive. She plays to bring glory to her Heavenly Father and to sing praise to her God – the one who made her hands able to play skillfully on her chosen stringed instrument. The one and only God “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Amy’s greatest desire is to serve her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in all that she does.

Toni Rush, principal string bass

Toni Rush has had the privilege of playing in two orchestras under the baton of Roupen Shakarian, both the Skagit Symphony and Philharmonia Northwest. In addition, she has played with the Yakima, Bellevue, Everett, and Samammish Symphonies and various other chamber groups. She received her music degree from Central Washington University and continued her studies at the University of Washington. Her passion for t he double bass started in an elementary school orchestra program and was fueled by a mom who believed that kids need music in their lives. Toni’s favorite era is the Baroque and she will play basso continuo any chance she gets.

Stephanie Bethea, principal flute

Stephanie Bethea has performed and taught flute with such backdrops as Kenya, Lebanon, Jordan, Indonesia, British Columbia, and Washington. She graduated with honors in music composition and flute from Smith College and hold a master’s degree in flute and conducting. Her teachers have included renowned flutists Josiah Thomas and John Wummer. Currently she is earning a doctorate in flute performance at the University of Washington.

Since 2000 Stephanie has played principal flute in the Skagit Symphony. Other prinicpal flute positions have included the Skagit Valley Chorale, North Cascades Concert Band, and theRichmond Symphony in B.C. She coached the flute section of the Fidalgo Youth Symphony and acted as flute clinician for the Sedro Woolley High School District. In addition to solo performances Stephanie teaches music theory at Skagit Valley College, directs worship at Congregation Bet haShem in Ferndale and maintains a flute and piano studio in her home.

Charles Larsson, principal oboe

Barry Ulman, principal clarinet

Barry Ulman was born in 1940 in Howell, Michigan. He had piano lessons starting at age 5 and had his first clarinet lessons at age 10. He didn’t really get serious about music until he was about 17, when he fell in love with jazz and took up saxophone along with clarinet.

He studied jazz at the Berklee School of music in Boston. From about that time to the present he has played gigs in many different genres, including dance jobs, jazz, classical, shows, cruise ships, and a circus.

Ulman enrolled at Western Washington University, getting his Bachelor’s Degree in music in 1981, and a Master’s Degree in composition in 1988. He has composed over a dozen works for different chamber ensembles, one piece for orchestra, and has written a number of jazz tunes.

Elizabeth Johnson, principal bassoon

Jim Gaudette, principal French horn

Jim Gaudette, principal horn player of the Skagit Symphony, is a seasoned musician who has an extensive professional experience. He studied with Ralph Pyle of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and has played in the Riverside Symphony, San Bernardino Symphony and The Redlands Bowl Symphony. He received his training at the New England Conservatory in Boston and Music Academy in Vienna, where he played in the Vienna Symphony and other concert and opera orchestras. Regionally he has soloed with the Whatcom Symphony.

Kipp Otterness, principal trumpet

Charles Stevens, principal trombone

I played trombone at WSU before transferring to WWU to obtain a Masters in Mathematics and have been a math instructor at SVC since 1990. After letting my trombone collect dust for 16 years I began playing with the SVC Jazz Band, Skagit Community Band, and numerous swing and jazz groups when time allows. I have also played in several local play productions and with the Skagit Valley Chorale. This will be my third year with the Skagit Symphony.

Theresa Goldston, principal percussion

Theresa is honored to have been a member of the Skagit Symphony Orchestra since 1993, when she was recruited by concertmaster Sarah Carter to play the bass drum.

This fostered the beginning of a lifelong passion for the world of percussion. Soon there were music studies in Seattle with Kathy Ramm, percussionist with the Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Symphony, studies continued with Dr. Patrick Roulet, percussion professor at Western Washington University in Bellingham and with Rob Tucker professional recording and performing artist, and percussion faculty at WWU.

Theresa completed music studies at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon and as a post baccalaureate received her music degree from WWU. In addition to being a wonderful asset of the Skagit Symphony, she has performed with the Skagit Community Band, North Cascades Concert Band, Skagit Valley Chorale, Skagit Opera, and various orchestras in Seattle including the Orchestra of the Northwest Mahler Festival, and the Seattle premier of Olivier Messiaen’s “Turangalila Symphony” at Benaroya Hall. Theresa’s dedication has extended beyond the stage to the symphony board where she was an active Board Member for four years including two years as Board President. Still inspired, she recently became an Honorary Board Member.